While getting your biannual dental cleaning from your Milford dentist is vitally important to the health of your teeth and gums, you must also maintain great dental hygiene between trips to the dentist. You should be sure to floss daily and brush at least twice a day. However, simply going through the motions will not suffice; you should have a good technique and use the right products for your oral health. In a recent post, we discussed choosing the right toothbrush, but the toothbrush is irrelevant if it is not topped with the right toothpaste.
What to Keep in Mind
As you can see during a trip to your local drug store, there is a seemingly endless variety of toothpastes available. You should always look for toothpaste that carries the American Dental Association Seal of Approval. The ADA conducts rigorous tests of all fluoride containing toothpastes to ensure that they are safe and effective and that the manufacturers have accurately listed the ingredients. Beyond that, your choice depends on your personal preferences and oral health needs. The primary benefits of toothpaste are its cleaning powers, so as long as you choose ADA approved toothpaste, your oral hygiene will profit. When browsing the toothpaste aisle, consider your age, any outstanding health conditions, and your cosmetic goals.
Types of Toothpaste
When you are choosing your new toothpaste, your options will include:
Fluoride Toothpaste – Although all ADA approved toothpastes contain fluoride, those labeled “fluoride toothpastes” contain a higher concentration of the mineral, which helps to strengthen dental enamel and make the teeth more resistant to acid. Children, seniors, those with dry mouth or gum disease, and those who live in areas without fluoridated water will benefit most from fluoride toothpaste, although it is beneficial for everyone. If you are choosing toothpaste for your child, it is important to note that fluoride is dangerous when swallowed in large amounts, so you should carefully monitor your child’s brushing and keep the toothpaste out of their reach.
Whitening Toothpaste – Whitening toothpaste does not have the dramatic results of professional whitening treatment, so you should not expect a complete transformation of your smile. However, if you are seeking minor stain removal or if you want to maintain the results of your whitening treatment, this type of toothpaste can be a great option.
Sensitivity Toothpaste – If you suffer from dental sensitivity, whether because of receding gum tissue or due to loss of dental enamel, sensitivity toothpaste is one of the best ways to treat this condition. You should talk to your dentist first to make sure this is the best treatment option for your teeth.
Children’s Toothpaste – Children’s toothpaste typically contains higher levels of fluoride but the flavors are more appealing for children. If your little one makes a fuss about brushing his or her teeth, a fun kid-friendly flavor may provide the necessary incentive.
Natural or Organic Toothpaste – Many organic toothpastes do not contain fluoride and may not provide adequate protection for your dental health. However, Tom’s of Maine® makes several all-natural, ADA approved toothpastes.
Smoker’s Toothpaste – There are several toothpastes on the market that claim to combat bad breath and tooth discoloration that results from smoking. None are ADA-approved, and dentists caution that these toothpastes can actually harm teeth and gums.
These are just some of the types of toothpaste available on today’s market. If you are confused about your many toothpaste options, talk to your Milford dentist. He or she will be happy to make recommendations based on your oral health needs.
For more information about oral hygiene or to schedule a routine cleaning and checkup, call us today at 203-878-6699. We proudly serve Milford and the surrounding areas, including Stratford, Bridgeport, New Haven, and West Haven.